We are the Chiltern Young Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Bethan S.
Start time: 10:30 (est: finish time: 15:30)
Distance: 10 miles
Type: Moderate (ascent: 312m, a few hills)
Walk leader: Beth (07956242703)
Shake off some Christmas cobwebs and join the CYW for a 'twixmas' workout hike. The walk starts from the beautiful Cowleaze woods, where we will head down towards Aston Rowant Nature reserve - we won't head fully into it, but will be able to admire Beacon Hill across the M40 before turning away down The Ridgeway national trail. As we reach Watlington, we will burn off some of those Christmas calories with a steep (and possibly muddy) ascent of Watlington Hill, enjoying stunning views across The Chilterns AONB as we have a quick lunch stop - bring layers to keep warm on the hill!!
We'll reward ourselves with a pub stop at the aptly named Christmas Common, before picking up a beautiful windy route through Blackmoor Woods, before heading north and starting our final ascent back to Cowleaze. On the way we'll keep an eye out for the monument in the woods to the crew of a Handley Page Halifax that crashed in the wood on 31 March 1944 returning from the Nuremberg raid.
Please dress warmly with extra layers and waterproofs, bring water and a packed lunch. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times - note the pub has a resident dog who wanders freely.
Parking costs £3 for 8 hours and is cashless - RingGo also available
Did you know we're on Instagram? Follow us at @ChilternYoungWalkers to see pictures from our walks!
Become a full member
CYW are a part of the Ramblers and you may try up to three walks free. When you decide to continue walking with us, please join the Ramblers via 'Become a member'.
https://www.chilterns2030s.org.uk/new-members/becoming-a-member
We'll be waiting in Cowleaze woods car park (best postcode is OX49 5HL) https://www.forestryengland.uk/cowleaze-wood#openinghours
